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ATXweirdobrew · 08-22-2011, 03:25 PM

I already know that Ale yeasts ferment best at temperatures ranging from 60-76 degress F. Problem with that is I live in Texas during the hottest part of the year and I am finding myself running the AC all day long and burning up alot of electricity just to keep my fermenting ales at the 75-76 range. Any suggestions so I dont go physco when I get my next electricity bill?

rack04 · 08-22-2011, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeremy512

I already know that Ale yeasts ferment best at temperatures ranging from 60-76 degress F. Problem with that is I live in Texas during the hottest part of the year and I am finding myself running the AC all day long and burning up alot of electricity just to keep my fermenting ales at the 75-76 range. Any suggestions so I dont go physco when I get my next electricity bill?

In the long run you would do better buying a used freezer on craigslist and building a temperature controller. I bought a 7 cf chest freezer for $50 and built a temperature controller for around $40.

**Bensiff** · 08-22-2011, 03:31 PM

Yeah, get a fridge and buy a Ranco temp controller from ebay. If you are fermenting in the mid 70's your beer may have some serious issues unless you are using Belgian or Saison yeasts, BTW.

PseudoChef · 08-22-2011, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeremy512

i already know that ale yeasts ferment best at temperatures ranging from 60-68 degress f.

ftfy.

ATXweirdobrew · 08-22-2011, 04:03 PM

Will it really make a difference if it is brewed at temperatures in the lower range then in the higher range?

**Pappers_** · 08-22-2011, 04:03 PM

There are other cheap options for you, too. Do a search for swamp cooler and you'll find many threads. Or fill a large tub/bin with water, add frozen 1/2 gallon+ bottles to chill it. Take a look at Yooper's photos, she's got a good rig made from a cooler.

Also, for a little $$ and some work, you can make a son of fermentation chiller. Lots of threads on that.

**Pappers_** · 08-22-2011, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeremy512

Will it really make a difference if it is brewed at temperatures in the lower range then in the higher range?

The difference between 75 and 62 is huge, in my experience.

wildwest450 · 08-22-2011, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeremy512

I am finding myself running the AC all day long and burning up alot of electricity just to keep my fermenting ales at the 75-76 range. Any suggestions so I dont go physco when I get my next electricity bill?

If that's ambient temp, you're actually fermenting at and over 80f, which doesn't make for very good beer. Yes there are a few exceptions.

_

**944play** · 08-22-2011, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeremy512

Any suggestions so I dont go physco when I get my next electricity bill?

When I was in Texas, I was mostly using this method:

A water bath in a 10 gallon round cooler that was (and is) also my mash/lauter tun. Just throw a frozen 500ml PET soda bottle or two under the bucket twice a day.

jcdouglas · 08-22-2011, 04:42 PM

I use a Swamp Cooler: http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f39/swamp-cooler-199965/

If you already have a large cooler sitting around, fill it with water and ice (freeze some plastic water bottles). Replace the bottles periodically (e.g. ever 6-12 hours). Check out the link for more details.